Guatemala - Government

Photo by: Martin Bangemann

Constitutionally, the Guatemalan government is defined as democratic and
representative, and the new constitution that took effect on 14 January
1986 reaffirms that definition. Since the 1950s, however, civil disorder
has often prompted the suspension of constitutional guarantees.

Guatemala is a republic. The president, who must be a native-born lay
person at least 40 years old, is elected by direct vote for a four-year
term and may not be reelected. The constitution calls for a popularly
elected vice president. The office of vice president provides a
guarantee of presidential succession in case of the death or disability
of the chief executive. There is a five-member court of
constitutionality, which officially advises the president. Its members
are appointed, one each by the Supreme Court, Congress, the president,
the University of San Carlos, and the bar association. The president,
who has broad powers, appoints and is assisted by a cabinet. The cabinet
members traditionally resign at the end of each year so that the
president may choose a new cabinet. The president, who is also
commander-in-chief of the armed forces, appoints most military officers,
the 22 governors, and other important public and diplomatic officials.
Presidential duties include preserving public order, proposing laws, and
making an annual presentation of the budget.

The unicameral National Congress has 113 members elected to four-year
terms. Ninety-one members are elected from departmental constituencies,
while 22 are elected by proportional representation. In districts with a
population over 200,000, an additional deputy is elected to represent
each additional 100,000 inhabitants or fraction exceeding 50,000. In
addition, at-large representatives are elected by proportional
representation from lists submitted by each political party. Under the
constitution, Congress imposes taxes, enacts the national budget,
declares war and makes peace, and ratifies treaties and conventions
proposed by the president. Congress elects the president of the
judiciary and judges of the Supreme Court and courts of appeals. The
president may veto congressional bills, but Congress may override by a
two-thirds vote. All public officials must declare the amount of their
incomes and property holdings before assuming their posts and after they
leave office.

Citizenship is acquired at the age of 18. Voting is obligatory for
literate men and women 18 years of age and older and optional for
nonliterate citizens.